The Caulfield Cup, held annually at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, is one of the world’s most prestigious handicap horse races and a highlight of the Australian Spring Racing Carnival. As a Group 1 race run over 2400 meters, the Caulfield Cup is a true test of stamina, speed, and class, attracting top middle-distance and staying horses from Australia and around the world.
The 2024 edition promises to be another thrilling chapter in the race’s storied history, with a stellar lineup of competitors vying for a share of the $5 million prizemoney and a chance to secure a coveted position in the Melbourne Cup.
First run in 1879, the Caulfield Cup is one of the oldest and most prestigious races on the Australian calendar. It has earned a reputation as the premier handicap race over 2400 meters, with many horses using it as a stepping stone to the Melbourne Cup, held just over two weeks later.
The unique nature of the race, where the weights are allocated based on each horse’s ability, allows for a wide range of competitors, from seasoned stayers to up-and-coming stars, to compete on relatively even terms.
The race’s status as a “Win and You’re In” event for the Melbourne Cup adds an extra layer of significance, with the winner automatically qualifying for the “Race That Stops a Nation.” This connection to the Melbourne Cup has cemented the Caulfield Cup as a critical part of the Australian spring, with many horses targeting it as a key component of their preparation.
Over the years, many legendary horses have won the Caulfield Cup, including Might and Power, Northerly, and Makybe Diva. The race’s prestigious honor roll is a testament to its status as a genuine test of a horse’s quality and staying ability.
The Caulfield Racecourse, known for its tight, turning layout, presents a unique challenge for horses and jockeys alike. The 2400-meter distance starts near the top of the home straight, with the field facing a sharp turn soon after the start.
The race then heads into a series of bends, making positioning and tactics crucial for a winning performance. Horses that can secure a favorable position early in the race often have an advantage, while those caught wide may struggle to find their rhythm.
The handicap conditions of the race mean that each horse carries a weight assigned based on its past performances. This weight allocation aims to level the playing field, providing an opportunity for horses with lower ratings to compete against higher-rated opponents.
However, winning the Caulfield Cup under a high weight is a significant achievement and is often regarded as a mark of an exceptional horse.
The 2024 Caulfield Cup is set to feature a strong field, including a mix of local stars, international raiders, and emerging talents. The competition will be fierce, with several horses aiming to use the race as a springboard to further success during the carnival.
One of the leading contenders for the 2024 Caulfield Cup is Gold Trip, last year’s Melbourne Cup winner. The French-bred stayer has demonstrated his quality over staying distances and will be aiming to add a Caulfield Cup to his impressive resume.
His performances in lead-up races, such as the Turnbull Stakes or Caulfield Stakes, will be closely watched as connections look to assess his form and readiness for the 2400-meter contest.
Another horse to watch is Duais, a mare with proven form at Group 1 level and a strong record over staying distances. Trained by Edward Cummings, Duais is known for her powerful finishing bursts and ability to stay out a strong 2400 meters.
Her connections have long targeted the Caulfield Cup as a major goal, and if she can secure the right run, she could be a major player in this year’s race.
Without A Fight, an internationally bred stayer now racing in Australia, has also attracted significant interest. The six-year-old gelding has shown his class in European staying races and has been carefully prepared for the Caulfield Cup by his connections.
With a good run in the Herbert Power Stakes or similar preparatory events, Without A Fight could emerge as a serious contender.
The international challenge is expected to be strong, with a number of European and Japanese horses targeting the race. In recent years, the international raiders have had considerable success in the Caulfield Cup, with horses like Mer De Glace (2019) and Best Solution (2018) showcasing the growing quality of foreign contenders.
With the race serving as an ideal target for top-class stayers from abroad, the 2024 edition is likely to feature a strong international presence.
Key lead-up races to the Caulfield Cup include the Turnbull Stakes (2000 meters), Caulfield Stakes (2000 meters), and the Herbert Power Stakes (2400 meters). These events are typically used by connections to gauge their horse’s readiness for the 2400-meter distance and to fine-tune fitness levels.
Horses that perform well in these races often emerge as leading contenders for the Caulfield Cup, while others may use them to improve their fitness and peak on the day.
The Turnbull Stakes, run at Flemington, is particularly important, as it is run under weight-for-age conditions, allowing horses to compete without the pressures of a handicap. Success in the Turnbull Stakes often serves as a strong indicator of form heading into the Caulfield Cup.
Likewise, the Caulfield Stakes offers horses a chance to gain experience on the Caulfield track, with a quality field ensuring a competitive lead-up.
The rise of international competitors in the Caulfield Cup has added a new dimension to the race in recent decades. Horses from Europe, Japan, and New Zealand have increasingly targeted the event, attracted by the lucrative prizemoney and the opportunity to compete in one of Australia’s premier staying races.
The success of international raiders has prompted local trainers to adjust their preparation strategies, with many now focusing on targeting the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup double.
The Japanese stayer Mer De Glace captured the Caulfield Cup in 2019, demonstrating the effectiveness of bringing high-quality international horses to Australia. His win not only highlighted the growing strength of international competitors but also prompted changes in the way local trainers approach the spring carnival.
The Caulfield Cup is a key feature of the Melbourne Spring Carnival, providing racing fans with a thrilling spectacle and setting the stage for the Melbourne Cup. Its position on the calendar makes it a valuable race for horses aiming to complete the coveted “Cups Double”, which has only been achieved by a handful of horses, including Might and Power (1997) and Ethereal (2001).
For trainers and connections, the Caulfield Cup represents both a significant goal in itself and an important stepping stone to Melbourne Cup glory. A strong performance in the Caulfield Cup often sees the winner become one of the favorites for the Melbourne Cup, with many horses using the race to secure their position in the field and gain valuable racing experience.
Caulfield Cup Day is one of the highlights of the Australian racing calendar, attracting a large crowd of spectators who come to enjoy a day of top-quality racing, fashion, and entertainment. The atmosphere on the day is electric, with hospitality areas, marquees, and grandstands filled with racing enthusiasts and socialites alike. The event offers a unique blend of tradition and excitement, making it a must-attend for fans of horse racing.
The 2024 Caulfield Cup is shaping up to be an outstanding edition of this historic race, with a world-class field expected to line up for the 2400-meter handicap. As always, the race will serve as a crucial stepping stone to the Melbourne Cup, with horses, trainers, and jockeys aiming to secure their place in history.
The mix of local stars and international challengers adds to the intrigue, ensuring that the Caulfield Cup remains one of the most anticipated events on the Australian racing calendar.
With its rich history, competitive nature, and global appeal, the Caulfield Cup continues to be a defining event of the spring carnival, embodying the spirit of Australian racing while showcasing the best in equine talent.
As the field prepares to take on the testing Caulfield track, racing fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting the moment when another champion etches their name into the history of this great race
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ui4W3O6Ua8&t=10s
This colt is by the Group 1 producing sire Star Turn and out of the Fastnet Rock mare Bleue Pepite who has already produced top quality racehorses including the $400k earner and 6 time winner Ruban Bleu as well as 5 time winner La Defense.
Bleue Pepite is a half sister to the Group 3 winning mare Think Bleue.
This Colt is extremely well balanced and a showed a fantastic willing workmanlike attitude. He was well put together with plenty of scope.
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